Weiss DAC204 D/A Converter

MULTI-FORMAT DAC AND FORMAT CONVERTER

Dare we call the DAC204 a Swiss army knife? It is certainly the most versatile digital-to-analogue converter in Weiss Engineering’s product offering.

Use the DAC204 for easy switching between multiple units with digital outputs — including a computer or mobile with USB out — and enjoy the pristine and low-jitter conversion to analogue audio from the unit’s outputs. The DAC204 can also convert DSD audio to PCM and offers a digital output in the AES/EBU format.

MAIN FEATURES

• The DAC204 is a multi-format digital-to-analogue and digital-to-digital converter. Its many input and output options make it equally useful for use in a professional mixing or mastering studio as for an audiophile-grade listening room.

• It employs no less than four oversampling sigma-delta D/A converters per channel, operated in parallel for enhanced signal-to-noise performance.

• The DAC204 accepts incoming digital audio streams straight from any USB-equipped computer, tablet, or mobile phone. It can also receive S/PDIF and AES/EBU audio via its S/PDIF or Toslink connectors.

• The DAC204 converts the incoming digital streams to analogue audio, which simultaneously appears on its balanced XLR connectors and unbalanced RCA connectors.

• It can also perform digital-to-digital conversion and output digital audio in AES/EBU or S/PDIF formats through the corresponding connectors and a BNC output connector.

• Should the incoming audio be in DSD format, the DAC204 can convert that to PCM.

• The DAC204 can be permanently connected to multiple digital units, and the user can easily switch between them with the front-mounted Input Selector switch.

• The DAC204 is a relatively affordable option to Weiss Engineering’s higher-grade units. It has a reduced feature set but offers conversion quality far above competing products in the same price bracket.

*NOTE: It does not have the on-board digital processing capabilities of the Weiss DAC501 or the Weiss HELIOS. Nor does it include a headphone output or remote control.

TECHNICAL DATA

Digital Inputs: 

(1) RCA connector, (1) Toslink connector (optical)

- All inputs accept professional or consumer standard , i.e. accept AES/EBU or S/PDIF signals.

- Sampling frequencies: 44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0, 176.4 or 192 kHz on the RCA input.

- Sampling frequencies: 44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0 kHz on the Toslink input.

- Maximum input word-length: 24 Bits.

(1) USB connector

- Accepted sampling frequencies: 44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz, DSD64, DSD128

Analog Outputs:

(2) XLR connectors (hot output on pin 2, not servo controlled), DC coupled, short circuit proof output circuitry, Output impedance: 44 Ohm

(2) RCA connectors, DC coupled, short circuit proof output circuitry, Output impedance: 22 Ohm

Output level: Selectable by two toggle switches, 4 settings:

XLR outputs:

7.5 Vrms, +19.7 dBu, with a 0 dBFS sinewave input

2.3 Vrms, +9.7 dBu, with a 0 dBFS sinewave input

0.75 Vrms, -0.3 dBu, with a 0 dBFS sinewave input

0.23 Vrms, -10.3 dBu, with a 0 dBFS sinewave input

RCA outputs:

3.75 Vrms, +13.7dBu, with a 0 dBFS sinewave input

1.15 Vrms, +3.7dBu, with a 0 dBFS sinewave input

0.375 Vrms, -6.3dBu, with a 0 dBFS sinewave input

0.115 Vrms, -16.3dBu, with a 0 dBFS sinewave input

Digital Outputs:

(1) XLR connector, (1) RCA connector, (1) BNC connector 

Synchronization:

- Synchronized via the input signal in the case of RCA or Toslink inputs. In the USB input case the DAC204 is the master clock.

- Extremely efficient Jitter attenuation.

- Sampling frequencies supported: 44.1 kHz, 48.0 kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4khz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, DSD64, DSD128 

Power: 

- DC input voltage: 6 to 9 Volt

- DC input current: 1050mA at 6V, 700mA at 9V

- Power consumption: 6.3 W

Measurements:

*The measurements below have been taken at the following conditions (unless noted otherwise): 1 kHz measurement frequency, maximum selectable output level, 192kHz sampling frequency (Fs), 22kHz measurement bandwidth, unweighted, 0 dBr equals the output level at 0 dBFS input. 

Frequency Response:

Fs = 44.1 kHz, 0Hz-20kHz: within +- 0.25dB

Fs = 88.2 kHz, 0Hz-20kHz: within +- 0.25dB

Fs = 88.2 kHz, 0Hz-40kHz: within +- 0.8dB

Fs = 176.4 kHz, 0Hz-20kHz: within +- 0.25dB

Fs = 176.4 kHz, 0Hz-40kHz: within +- 0.8dB

Fs = 176.4 kHz, 0Hz-80kHz: within +- 2.5dB

Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N):

−116 dBr (0.00016 %) at −3 dBFS input level

−125 dBr (0.000056 %) at −40 dBFS input level

−125 dBr (0.000056 %) at −70 dBFS input level

Linearity:

At 0 dBFS to −120 dBFS input level: less than ±0.4 dB deviation from ideal

Spurious components (including harmonics):

At 0 dBFS input level, maximum output level, 1 kHz, all components at less than −120 dBr

At 0 dBFS input level, maximum output level, 4 kHz, all components at less than −115 dBr

Crosstalk:

Better than 120 dB, 20 Hz–20 kHz

Interchannel Phase Response:

+- 0.05° 20 Hz–20 kHz

+- 0.30° 20 Hz–80 kHz

Manual